News Roundup 27 January 2022
Jan 27, 2022 • 4 min Read
DOH lists over 18,000 new COVID-19 infections | PHILSTAR.COM – The Philippines on Thursday announced 18,191 new coronavirus cases, the third straight day the daily tally fell below 20,000. Thursday’s tally pushed the nation’s caseload to 3,493,447. Of the total, 6.5% or 226,521 were active cases. Ninety-seven percent of the newly-reported cases occurred from January 14 to 27, data from the Department of Health showed. The regions with the highest number of additional infections during that period were Calabarzon (2,101), Metro Manila (2,073), and Davao region (2,011) The country’s death toll rose by 74 to 53,736, while recoveries increased by 22,014 to 3,213,190. According to the DOH, 35.2% of 61,013 samples on January 25 tested positive for COVID-19, way above the threshold set by the World Health Organization. Two testing laboratories did not submit data to the agency.
Robredo rejects war with China to defend West Philippine Sea | PHILSTAR.COM – Vice President Leni Robredo said there is no need to wage war against China to defend the West Philippine Sea, stressing that Manila should use its victory against Beijing before an arbitral tribunal to build a “coalition of nations” that would protect the waters. “We don’t need to wage war. What we need to do is to enter into alliances with traditional and emerging partners, allies, so they can help us protect the West Philippine Sea,” Robredo, who is running for president, said in Filipino in an interview with entertainment host Boy Abunda that premiered Wednesday. She said forging alliances by leveraging the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s historical claim over much of the South China Sea, including portions within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, is a “low-hanging fruit.” Aside from this, the vice president said the Philippines can pursue multilateral talks with China and strengthen its defense.
Robredo aware remarks may irk other bets: Question answered ‘in my honest opinion’ | INQUIRER.NET – Vice President Leni Robredo has admitted knowing that her outright criticism of other presidential aspirants during an interview with talk show host Boy Abunda would ruffle some feathers and elicit strong reactions from her rivals. However, Robredo said in an interview on Thursday that she did not want to be evasive when ask ed why Filipinos should not vote for other aspirants. “Ako ayoko nang dagdagan pa, ayoko nang dagdagan pa ‘yung conversation. Alam ko na may mga mara-ruffle ako na feathers pero tinatanong kasi ako eh,” she explained on the sidelines of her office’s Swab Cab program in Tanay, Rizal. (For me, I don’t want to add to the talks or prolong the conversation. I know that I will have ruffled some feathers but I was asked the question.) “Ayoko naman na sumagot na parang umiiwas, sa akin lang ‘yung tanong, sinagot ko. In my honest opinion, ‘yun talaga ‘yung palagay ko na kailangan ko isagot,” she added. (I do not want to answer like I have been avoiding questions, so I was asked that question and then I answered. In my honest opinion, those are the answers that I should give.) Robredo also noted that she was ready for the possible outburst of other candidates who may be affected by her criticisms. “Ready naman ako, ready ako pero para mag-react pa sa mga reaction nila, tingin ko hindi naman necessary na,” she added. (I am ready for that but to react towards their reactions? I don’t think that’s necessary anymore.)
CHR: Mining firms obliged to uphold human rights, protect environment | Manila Bulletin – Mining companies have an obligation to uphold human rights and protect the environment. This was the message of the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) after it was reported that the mining operation in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental has resulted in massive siltation and discoloration of the Mapagba and Pintatagan rivers. Through Spokesperson and lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia, the CHR expressed concerns that the water from the two rivers drains into the Davao Gulf affecting the coastal areas nearby — including the fishers who rely on these waters for livelihood. De Guia cited a report from the Davao Oriental provincial government that the said rivers turned orange in color due to nickel laterite from the mining site following a heavy downpour last Jan. 13. “We stress that even mining companies are called to respect, protect, and remedy violations arising from their operations. This obligation to uphold human rights is consistent with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,” she said in a statement. De Guia stressed: “Corporations and businesses must continuously demonstrate its commitment to protect the environment. Economic development can only be genuinely achieved through a healthy and sustainable environment that can support the life and welfare of the people.”
